While Loudoun County has a number of recreation, travel softball, and high school softball programs providing opportunities for female athletes, it does not have a middle school program like the ones in neighboring counties and the one in place for boys’ baseball in Loudoun. Additionally other youth sports sponsor middle school programs (basketball, volleyball, wrestling, etc.) Formal and informal surveys conducted by LGSL & LGLLS have consistently shown an interest for a middle school program.

What is the benefit of the Middle School Softball Program?

The middle school program provides young ladies at participating middle schools the opportunity to represent their school, enhance school spirit, develop camaraderie, encourage teamwork, and to further develop their softball skills while developing relationships with the girls they will play with in high school. The program will also provide an opportunity to encourage participation from the high school programs as the middle school players practice and play together before they try out for their respective high school teams.

How does the Middle School Softball Program differ from House League and Travel Team Softball?

The middle school softball program provides interested players an opportunity to play a more competitive level of softball than house league, but not with the full commitment of a travel softball program. It also provides the opportunity to represent their school, enhance school spirit, develop camaraderie, encourage teamwork, and to further develop their softball skills while developing relationships with the girls they will play with in high school. Teams will be required to ensure players get a minimum amount of playing time and rosters will be staffed to accommodate different skills levels and potential schedule conflicts.

How will the Middle School Softball Program work?

Projected Start Date – Tryouts in Late Feb/early March 2019

Season runs late March through late May with playoffs late May/early June

About a 10 game season with single elimination playoffs or possible tournament style playoff (pool play and championships)

1 game per week and 1 practice (minimum) per week

All middle school female athletes (grades 6th – 8th) are eligible to tryout

One team will be formed for each participating middle school from players that attend that school or are homeschooled, but live in the attendance boundary for their school

Schools may be combined if numbers do not support adequate team size

Each participating league will be responsible for handling try-outs, field allocations, coach selection, team selection, practice schedules and uniforms for the middle schools in their jurisdiction

Games will be officiated using Virginia High School League (VHSL) rules

What is the anticipated cost to play in the Middle School Softball Program?

$140 (non-refundable) which is payable if you player is offered and accepts a position on the team

Can a player simultaneously play in both Middle School Softball and other Softball programs?

Yes - If a player makes the middle school team and is not on a travel team, they are still required to play house league. Our scheduler is working to deconflict games/practices to the maxium extent practicle. There may be times where Middle School Softball conflicts with other commitments. The leagues will work to minimize the impact of potential scheduling conflicts as much as possible. Additionally it will be very important that each player discuss their situation with their coaches to set expectations.

Should I register my player in both house league (if not a travel player) and Middle School Softball?

Yes. If your player is not selected they will enter the player pool for their league’s house/rec league therefore you will not have to worry about late registration. Any fees paid to register in your house league can be applied to the Middle School registration fee if your player is selected. NOTE: If a player makes the middle school team and is not on a travel team, they are still required to play house league.

How will team selection be determined?

Player selection and team size will be determined by individual coaches and the process established by participating leagues

What happens if my player is not selected for the Middle School team?

See answer above in "Should I register in both house and middle school.